Role of non-coding RNAs in the coordination of the bacterial virulence programme

The small transcript repertoire of D. dadantii has been established (Leonard et al., 2019). These small transcripts will be analysed in regard (i) to their function as regulator of D. dadantii virulence and (ii) to their behaviour with respect to supercoiling and regulation by NAPs. Mutants defective in either Hfq or ProQ RNA chaperons showed a decrease in virulence and modification of various phenotypes related to virulence such as motility, biofilm formation and plant cell wall degrading enzymes. This suggests the existence of sRNAs involved in the regulation of virulence factors related to these phenotypes. We are willing to specifically trap sRNAs interacting with pectate lyase mRNAs in particular with pelD and pelE (using MAP approach). sRNAs are identified and studied in regard to their regulation of pectate lyases. Our aim will be to integrate the sRNAs identified into the regulatory network of D. dadantii virulence and to improve the model of the infection of these bacteria. We will further take advantage of RNA-seq data available in the team to study the expression profiles of small transcripts in regard to supercoiling and NAP regulation as well as their contribution to domain formation.